Abby Acken

Venue Manager / Creative Director

Behind every Instagram post, printed flyer, and word found on this website, there is this lady pouring over type-fonts and color gradient. When Abby isn’t at her computer dreaming about the next design, she is carefully guiding couples through visions of their big day. With over 10 years in the wedding industry and a background in wedding photography, she’s the concept guru you want on your team.

Matthew Basteyns

Venue Manager / Director of Operations Two Birds Event Group

A signature drink you say? Your marriage is founded on Old Fashioneds you say? Matt is your man. Matt came aboard our Milwaukee Airwaves team in 2015. He has since taken residence of your libations experience at The Ivy House without missing a beat… or a garnish.

Kendrick Acken

Director of Operations Milwaukee Airwaves

Kendrick believes that music is the soundtrack to your life and good music makes it even better. He has been carefully crafting his music knowledge for years to develop an eclectic and diverse catalog of tracks to make sure your events are as unique as you are. Kendrick is known to bring the energy both in personality and to the dance floor. Since starting with Milwaukee Airwaves in 2015 we have seen him guarantee one thing, you won’t be able to sit still (or your feet are going to be moving).

Marina Mielke

Venue Manager / Outside Events Director

Events are her bread and butter. In the industry upwards of 7 years, Marina takes the lead with events. Anything from weddings and fundraisers to corporate galas and concerts — this is what she is all about. With this gal on your side, you are sure to have one successful party!

Mandi Benjamin

Event Manager / Client Communications

Mandi’s pup Betty White would tell you that she’s one of the most caring people she knows, but since Betty hasn’t learned how to type yet, we’ll tell you for her. With years of history in event management, Mandi has found that the key to every good event is personal connection. You’ll find Mandi here in the office during the week typing 104 words per minute (yep, we tested it*) communicating with all of our current and inquiring clients. On the weekends Mandi is at one of our venues running the show! With a passion for details, building strong relationships and great wine, Mandi is a powerhouse to have on your side during your planning journey. Don’t take it just from Betty though, be sure to say hi next time see her

Jenna Renno

Corporate and Community Engagement

Jenna is a connector, a people person, and lives for a well-written plan. She spent over 15 years working for nonprofits in corporate sponsorship and planning events for local arts groups like Milwaukee Film,  Radio Milwaukee, and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Through her work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Harley-Davidson Motor Company, she became a pro at large-scale fundraising events – from the visual details and mission impact, down to the inevitable troubleshooting.

As a freelance writer, her love for exploring Milwaukee is unmatched, so much so that she wrote a book called “100 Things to Do in Milwaukee Before you Die.” Think of her as your city concierge – she’s your go-to girl for ideas and recommendations for all that MKE has to offer

Zach Kinsman

Event Operations

Zach is one of five brothers so he knows what it means to work as a team. At the Ivy House, you’ll see him slingin’ drinks behind the bar, throwing down hits to fuel a dance party or setting up the room to create the perfect ambiance. He has a deep to dedication to details, music and everything that music involves. “I love my job because I get to help create the best day of peoples’ lives,” he admits.

Nick Brenning

Venue Manager / DJ Milwaukee Airwaves

A jack-of-all-trades, Nick is the go-to if you need something done. And he always does it with a smile. Whatever the task, he sees it through with precision and diligence. Nick sets the stage for great events to unfold by serving killer drinks with care and spinning only the best tunes. He says, “I have always felt joy in my work when I’m bringing joy to others.”

Jack Brenning

Venue Manager / DJ Milwaukee Airwaves

Jack is a man of many skills, some would even say, a Jack of all trades (sorry we couldn’t help ourselves). Jack began his journey with us years ago by DJing for Milwaukee Airwaves and slinging the occasional cocktail. He even had a hand in building much of the details you see inside our venues! He’s a man who loves a lively round of cards, a good carpentry project, a packed dance floor or a well-timed joke. With his well-rounded experience he truly knows the ins and outs of what makes an event day run as it should. So while we could go on and on about Jack’s kind eyes, sense of humor or his impressive knowledge of running events, we’ll just say that he is the guy you want taking the reins – he’s got you covered.

Bella Perez

Venue Manager / Social Media Manager

Bella has years of experience in the events business and has been with us since the early years of our first venue. Since then she has grown in our team to become one of our most thoughtful event managers. Making sure everyone feels taken care of and details are in place, Bella is the one to have on your team on the day of your event! During the week you’ll see Bella’s work all over our social media giving you sneak peaks of some of our favorite moments.